All About Wooden Trays

Nowadays, trays are not just for convenience. Shapes, looks and variations of use transform a simple kitchen attribute into an innovative decoration. In the interior or in the kitchen, a wooden tray will become an unusual model that attracts attention, especially if it is painted or beautifully carved.

Natural wood is used in the production. Basically - beech, but it can also be cherry, oak, sweet cherry, birch. Trays are made by machine or by hand. However, the carving or special coloring with the use of jewelry is done by the hands of a master.

Many people make trays from scrap materials or wood scraps. This is a good option for those who want to choose kitchen utensils strictly for the interior or to embody a long-standing design idea.

The main advantages of wooden trays are low cost and environmental friendliness. Natural material does not emit toxic substances and is much cheaper than metal and plastic analogs of trays. But buyers note the danger of fungus appearing if the protective layers are damaged. Another advantage of wooden tableware is the richness of the assortment. You can decorate the tray with any pattern or make a carved side.

The stores also have enough models for every taste. Of the minuses - the care of the wooden coating and the wear and tear of the varnish layer, which must be periodically renewed.

Trays last a long time if they are properly looked after. Wooden utensils usually require special attention. But if you follow the following rules, then the service life and beautiful appearance will last for years:

• do not wash in the dishwasher;
• after contact with liquid, wipe with a dry cloth;
• in case of cracks, renew the varnish and oil-wax coating;
• do not use detergents with strong chemical properties.

It is very difficult to find the right wooden tray among the many products. Some differ in form and application, method of care. To begin with, it is worth considering the classification, deciding on the parameters, and then choosing the appropriate option. For example, busy people who spend a lot of time at the computer will benefit from a tray-table, and those who love family conversations - a rotating one. And there is no need to put it in the kitchen.

There is a design for every corner of the house, which will add a touch of comfort and originality.

The types of wooden trays can differ in several ways. The shape of the trays can be as follows:

• ordinary (round, square);

• unusual (for example, in the form of a fish or a triangle).

In terms of functionality, they can be as follows:

• with legs and sides;
• without legs, but with sides and handles;
• without legs and sides;
• rotating.

By application, it is worth highlighting such types as:

• for serving food;
• serving;
• tray-table;
• stand.

Rectangular shape - a classic among all varieties. It allows you to place a large number of dishes on the surface. The tray is for serving food, mainly breakfast (for fans of British culture). There are also with sectors, in which you can put solid food. They are perfect for barbecue or sushi. And for the tea ceremony they have a form approximate to the square. Usually there are legs or a pillow at the bottom, the surface is covered with drawings or hieroglyphs.

Trays-tables are most often rectangular. They are perfect for a cozy breakfast in bed or on the carpet. You can also place your laptop or phone on them along with food and drinks while watching movies or doing work. The round shape is more presentable. Such a tray is purchased for restaurants and cafes. At parties or celebrations they serve cocktails, wine. Usually their diameter is 30–38 cm.

A revolving round tray is the aesthetics of proper table setting, and if it consists of several floors, then such a design looks very impressive and rich. Round trays without legs and sides are called stand, they are very convenient. The stand serves as a place for mugs and plates and prevents high temperatures from damaging the furniture finish.

Trays made in the form of some kind of animal, polygon or arbitrary figure are usually not used in establishments (if there is no corresponding theme) and are pleasing to the eye in a home interior. Most often it is handmade, symbolizing comfort and emphasizing the decor of the kitchen. Such a product is used for the original serving of food, serving a festive table at home or as an accessory.

If you have legs or a pillow, then breakfast, lunch and dinner will be held comfortably in any convenient place (favorite chair or sofa). There are tree-like multi-storey wine trays that can hold a bottle of your favorite wine or other beverage.

Wooden trays are practical and comfortable in everyday life. Varieties and forms expand the scope of their application. A beautiful and bright DIY option can be a wonderful gift or accessory in the house. At the request of the owner, it can be decorated with photographs, drawings, inscriptions or applique.

Since ancient times, trays have served as canvas for artists and just amateurs. Their works left their mark on art: paintings and extraordinary forms that have survived to this day. Today, among the abundance of colors and tools, creating your own work is a matter of time and money.

Inspiration can be drawn from the ideas of the professionals. With the help of tools and paint, you can make a unique tray that fits perfectly into the interior and will be the pride of the creator. If you do not have a planer, a grinder, a saw at your disposal, then you can purchase an oak or beech tray you like and paint it.

Nowadays there is no need to study the type of painting for years. It is enough to find a stencil with the style you like - it can be anything: vintage, retro, classic, gzhel. The color also has no restrictions: white, red, blue - whatever you like. The selected drawing must be attached to the tray and painted over with acrylic paints, leaving for 4-6 hours. Then you can decorate the interior with original work.

The surface must be cleaned of varnish and oil-wax coatings. Go through with sandpaper and paint-base of any shade you like. Carefully cut the applique pattern from napkins or wrappers. Apply glue to the wrong side, attach to the bottom of the tray and wipe with a damp cloth until smooth. After drying, cover the surface with 2-3 coats of acrylic varnish. The made accessory will be ideally combined with the interior if you stick the same applications on other surfaces of kitchen furniture or dishes.

The art of wood carving requires effort and the necessary tools: a set of knives with blades, cutters, a machine, a saw, and so on. The hand needs to be "stuffed", and the skill must be honed. But the work done is worth it. Many have seen models of wooden trays with beautifully carved rims and legs. Such a kitchen attribute will not go unnoticed and will become the main decoration of the house.

Magnetic blackboard paint will roughen the bottom. Dishes on such a surface will slip less, and the design itself will become an unusual home decoration. The main feature of the tray is that you can leave notes and inscriptions in it, attach magnets, draw with chalk. To create a tray you will need masking tape and a brush. The sides must be pasted over with tape, and the protective layer must be removed from the surface and degreased with alcohol. After that, apply 3-5 layers of paint and leave for a day. After drying, you do not need to cover with anything. The hard matte surface will last a very long time.

This decor method is suitable even for the lazy. All you need is a soldering iron and a stencil, which is applied with a pencil and burned out. The main thing is to erase the varnish layer and apply a new one after the procedure. Allow to dry. Precautions must be taken when working with hot tools.

For information on how to make a wooden tray, see the next video.